The role of the Geriatric Care Manager in Long Term Care
- posted: Oct. 18, 2023
As an elder law attorney, a large number of clients retire to Florida leaving behind family in other states. While the retirement lifestyle is certainly great in Florida, the problem many of my clients face is, who will be there for me if I have a medical emergency?
When I create health care directives, naming health care surrogates to make medical decisions in the event a client is unable to do so, or powers of attorney naming agents for financial decision making, often, the decision makers are not living in Florida. While not an issue on its face, the one thing I always talk to my clients about is “Who would show up at the hospital if you are taken to the emergency room?”
Out of town children, sisters, brothers, and even friends can certainly be involved in health care decision making from afar, but in terms of someone to be the health care advocate at the ER, or even in the physician’s office during a routine appointment, many clients have no one. That’s when I suggest they meet and engage the service of a geriatric care manager.
Example of what a geriatric care manager does
Let’s say Louise cares for her husband Don, who has Parkinson’s. Louise and Don do fine when things are going well. However, a recent trip to the ER, after a fall, made Louise realize that several things happened that could have gone woefully wrong. Louise was able to call a neighbor who came over and drove her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a broken wrist. While she was gone, the neighbor’s husband stayed with Don and thankfully she was back home in a few hours. When we talked about this the big question was, “what would have happened if the neighbor wasn’t home? And what would have happened if you were not able to go home?”
Lousie admitted that other than her neighbor, she has few friends that could have come to her rescue, and had she called 911, Don would have been left alone. Had her injuries been more severe and required an overnight, or a multiple night admission to the hospital, who would have looked after Don? How long would it take for one of their children to clear work, arrange childcare, and get a flight to Florida to care for Don?
When we realistically discuss the possible outcomes, the gap in planning is clear. For many clients, the solution I suggest is having an experienced care manager on standby for such emergencies. With a care manager involved, Louise would have called her/his number, and someone would have taken her to the ER, or met her there if she arrived by ambulance. The care manager would have an updated medication list, know the names of all treating physicians, all current illnesses being treated, and be able to advocate on behalf of Louise to assure care was adequately provided. Likewise, someone would have immediately gone to their home to stay with Don, made sure he got any necessary medications on time, prepared a meal for him if necessary, and assured him that Louise was okay. Additionally, the family would be contacted, updated as to the situation, and kept informed as things progressed.
The primary duties of a geriatric care manager:
The following is just a short list of services that a geriatric care manager in the Sarasota area of Florida often provides to seniors.
Coordinate elder care between various service providers
Make home visits and suggest needed services
Evaluate in-home care needs
Manage any transitional care
Coordinate medical services, doctor visits, hospital stays
Ongoing assessment of aging life care needs
Provide caregiver stress relief
Do you need a geriatric care manager?
A geriatric care manager, in my opinion, is an important part of the team that many clients need in planning to age in place.
Contact an experienced elder law attorney in Sarasota and Osprey
Teresa K. Bowman, P.A. is a certified Florida elder law attorney who assists people throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties with all types of issues that come with aging including discussing geriatric care management. Please call 941-735-5200 or contact my office online to schedule an appointment.
